Launch of the Association of Democratic Services Officers and new qualifications

1. Launch of the Association of Democratic Services Officers and new qualifications John Austin, Chair of ADSO Steering Group 14th October 2009 Association of Democratic Services Officers

2. Why have an Association? • Potential market of up to 10,000 members • Raise profile of sector – professional body • Major networking / development opportunities • Setting quality standards in professional practice and training • Consultation forum for national/regional govt Association of Democratic Services Officers

3. Progress to date In 18 months: • National Steering Group • Memorandum and Articles of Association • Business Plan • Association database • Regular newsletters • Website • Developing Networks • Conference Association of Democratic Services Officers

4. Website Association of Democratic Services Officers

5. Website Currently: • Welcome page • What’s new • Resources • Training and events • Sponsors & Partners • In your area In development: • Member only pages • Interactive forum • Job vacancies • Supplies and services page • Blog Association of Democratic Services Officers

6. Why join the Association? • Your professional body • Enhancement of existing networks • Development of new networks • Share and promote good practice • International links • Co-ordinated training programme • Engagement with a range of partners • Consultative and lobbying body • Members only pages on website • Regional information Association of Democratic Services Officers

7. Membership • Registration form in conference pack • On-line registration www.asdso.co.uk • Individual / corporate membership • Membership: Full, Past Service, International • Up to October 2010 Association of Democratic Services Officers

8. Developing the Association • Set up as a Limited Company • Interim Board from 14 October • Elections within two years • Regional branches • Working in partnership Association of Democratic Services Officers

9. New qualifications Consultation with the sector: • More robust testing of knowledge and understanding • More like a professional qualification • Minimum bureaucracy • Will be awarded by Open University and nationally accredited (QCF) • Offered on a national basis by ADSO through South East Employers Association of Democratic Services Officers

10. New qualifications • 3 qualifications: - Democratic Services Award - Democratic Services Certificate - Democratic Services Diploma • Existing NVQs will continue to be recognised Association of Democratic Services Officers

11. Next Steps • Agree 3 year Business Plan • Market the Association • Establish links with partner organisations • Implement website developments • Develop regional branches • Extend income sources • Draw up training and development programmes • Start first cohort for Award and Certificate • Continue to develop Diploma Association of Democratic Services Officers

12. What can you do? • Join association and encourage others • Take an active part in Association • Support events • Promote within authority and regions • Support new qualification • Use website • Provide feedback and suggestions Association of Democratic Services Officers